Frame assemblage for bicycles connected in parallel

ABSTRACT

The disclosure provides for a frame assemblage for connecting or coupling a pair of bicycles in side-by-side or parallel relation. The frame assemblage includes carrier means rigidly connected between the several transversely extending frame elements of the assemblage.

United States Paient [191 Popp Feb. 26, 1974 [54] FRAME ASSEMBLAGE FORBICYCLES 750,480 1/1904 McLarty 280/209 CONNECTED IN PARALLEL 822,6886/1906 Nicholas 280/209 [76] lnventor: Lester Popp, l2l ll W. Good HopeOTHER PUBLICATIONS Rd., Milwaukee, Wis. 53224 Popular Science Magazine;Sept. 1956; pages 204 and 205 [22] Filed: Aug. 18, 1971 [21] Appl. No.:172,753 Primary Examiner-Kenneth H. Betts Attorney, Agent, orFirmAndrus, Sceales, Starke & 52 U.S. Cl. 280/209, 172/5 Sawan [5l] Int.Cl B62k 13/06 [58] Field of Search... 280/202, 209; 224/30, 31, 32 [57]ABSTRACT The disclosure provides for a frame assemblage for [56]References Cited crzlnnecting olrl clzoupliz g a g ahir ct f bicyclesinbiside-bys1 e or para e rea ion. e rame assem age in- UNITED STATESPATENTS cludes carrier means rigidly connected between the 557,3093/l896 Geldowsky 280/209 several transversely extending frame elementsof the 3,592,486 7/l971 Fox 280/209 assemblage 2,248,223 7/1941 Fellmanet al. 280/209 3,664,683 5/l972 Gobby 280/202 12 Claims, 5 DrawingFigures [l 6' l Ml" r flfu A? A I l 6 a! in A r z/ 1010/ PAIENTEUFEBZBW3.794.352

I v iNVENTOR. LESTER 5. POPP Attorneys Pmman w 3.794.352

SHEET 2 0F 2 FIG 3 FIG 4 FIG 5 INVENTOR. LESTER G. POPP Attorneys FRAMEASSEMBLAGE FOR BICYCLES CONNECTED IN PARALLEL BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION This invention relates to a frame assemblage for connecting orcoupling a pair of bicycles in side-by-side or parallel relation.

Bicycles are growing ever more popular. Their original cost andsubsequent maintenance cost are relatively low making them potentiallyavailable to a great mass of people. Their use provides an excellentform of exercise and/or diversion and gives rise to virtually noenvironment'al problems.

For certain applications bicycles provided in dual side-by-side orparallel relation are of advantage. Bicycles so connected or coupledprovide a very stable vehicle which can be enjoyed even by those wholack confidence in their sense of balance or who for other reasons arenot able to side a standard bicycle. The parallel connected bicycles canbe useful for certain types of invalided persons who may requiresupervision and- /or assistance so that such a vehicle can serve arehabilitation function. The sociability afforded by the sideby-sidearrangement can make such a vehicle just plain fun to ride whether forcouples of the same or opposite sex, and its recreational use may extendto picknicking, touring, and camping among others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION locations on the adjacently disposed sides ofthe bicycles disposed in parallel relation. The assemblage furtherincludes a generally U-shaped frame element having a transverselyextending portion intermediate a pair of transversely spaced, generallyparallel legs. The transverse portion of the U-shaped frame elementextends above the rear wheels between the parallel bicycles with therespective legs disposed generally in the vertical plane of thecenterlines of the corresponding bicycles. The ends of the parallel legsremote from the transverse portion of the U-shaped frame element arerigidly connected at substantially alike locations on the respectivebicycles. The frame assemblage also includes carrier means rigidlyconnected between the several frame elements of the assemblage. Theframe assemblage generally precludes relative movement in a transversedirection between the parallel bicycles but permits some relativemovement vertically and longitudinally between the bicycles in order tosubstantially retain the feel and riding qualities of a standardbicycle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES The drawings furnished herewithillustrate the best mode for carrying out the invention as presentlycontemplated and set forth hereinafter.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of bicycles connected in parallel accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the parallel connected bicycles of FIG. 1,but in place of the passenger seat shows a flat bed luggage rack;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken generally on line 3-3 of FIG. 2, butshows the passenger seat;

FIG. 4 is a detail perspective view of the frame assemblage includingthe basket-like carrier for the bicycles connected in parallel accordingto this invention; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken generally on line 55 of FIG.3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings,the bicycles l and 2 are connected in parallel by an intervening frameassemblage 3 which includes a basket-like carrier 4. While the bicycles1 and 2 are generally standard girls and boys bicycles, respectively, toprovide a his and hers arrangement, both of the parallel connectedbicycles could be of the boys type or girls type, if preferred.

The generally standard bicycles l and 2 each include front and rearwheels 5 and 6, respectively, which support a frame unit 7. At the frontend of the bicycles l and 2, the frame unit 7 includes the bearingsleeve 8 for pivotally housing a steering post 9 which carries the frontfork 10 at the lower end thereof for connection to the front wheel axle11 and the handle bars 12 at the upper end thereof for'pivoting the postand front wheel for steering. The frame unit 7 further includes adeclining brace 13 extending rearwardly from the bearing sleeve 8 and aseat post 14 mounting a seat 15 at the upper end thereof. The brace 13and seat post 14 generally meet at the pivot housing 16 for the drivesprocket 17 disposed intermediate wheels 5 and 6. A forked strut 18extends rearwardly from the sprocket pivot housing 16 and joins thelower end of the rear fork 19 for connection to the rear wheel axle 20.The upper end of the rear fork 19 is connected to the upper end of theseat post .14 in the standard arrangement.

The bicycles 1 and 2, connected in parallel in a manner hereinafterdescribed, steer in unison as provided by the steering linkage 21. Thelinkage 21 includes the transversely extending rigid link 22 whichexceeds in length the centerline distance between thebicycles l and 2.The respective ends of link 22 are universally connected to thecorresponding arms 23 fixedly secured to the steering posts 9 of therespective bicycles. The steering linkage 21 is designed to take intoaccount the fact that the inner bicycle travels on a curve of lesserradius than does the outer bicycle when negotiating a turn and soprovides for greater angular deflection for steering for the innerbicycle.

The frame assemblage 3 for connecting the bicycles l and 2 inside-by-side or parallel arrangement includes a pair of transverselyextending tubular frame elements 24 and 25. The frame element 24 isdisposed forwardly and is rigidly secured by welding or other suitablemeans to the braces 13 of the respective bicycles 1 and 2 generallyimmediately to the rear of the bearing sleeve 8. The respective ends ofthe reardwardly disposed frame element 25 is rigidly secured to therespective bicycles 1 and 2 generally immediately above and forward ofthe rear axle 20. A gusset plate 26 is rigidly secured in the angleformed between the forked strut 18 and rear fork 19 on the adjacentlydisposed sides of bicycles I and 2 for rigid connection of therespective ends of frame element 25.

Frame assemblage 3 further includes a generally U- shaped tubular frameelement 27 having a transversely extending portion 28 intermediate thelongitudinally extending generally parallel legs 29. The transverseportion 28 of frame element 27 is disposed above the rear wheels 6 ofbicycles l and 2 and is generally vertically aligned with frame element25, and a pair of transversely spaced, vertically uprightstruts 30extend between and rigidly connect the frame elements 25 and 27. Therespective parallel legs 29 of frame element 27 extend forwardly anddownwardly from transverse portion 28 and pass between the forks of thecorresponding rear fork 19 for rigid securement to the correspond ingseat post 14 beneath the rear fork to seat post connection. So disposedframe element 27 is in the nature of a torsion spring which permits somedegree of relative movement between the bicycles l and 2 as may resultwhen one bicycle negotiates a bump or depression in the road.

The frame assemblage 3 joining the bicycles 1 and 2 in side-by-side orparallel relation also includes the basket-like carrier 4. The carrier 4is fabricated from tubular or bar stock secured together by welding orother suitable means. As shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, the basket-likecarrier 4 extends longitudinally between the frame elements 24 and 25transversely between the frame struts 30 which are spaced from therespective bicycles l and 2 a distance providing adequate clearance foroperation of the foot pedals 31. The bottom and front of the carrier 4are generally established by a pair of transversely spaced angle rods 32which in assembled relation have a generally horizontally disposedportion 33 forming the side edges for the bottom and a generallyvertically disposed portion 34 forming the side edges at the front.Rearwardly the horizontal portions 33 of the respective angle rods 32are secured to the rear frame element 25 at the location of the framestruts 30. Forwardly the vertical portions 34 of angle rods 32 aresecured to the forward frame element 24.

A plurality of longitudinally spaced cross members 35 extendtransversely between the horizontal portions 33 of rods 32 to form thebottom for carrier 4. A pair of vertically spaced cross rails 36 extendbetween the vertical portions 34 of the spaced angle rods 32 to provideconfinement at the front of the basket-like carrier 4. At the rear ofcarrier 4, confinement is provided by the vertically spaced cross rails37 which extend transversely between the frame struts 30. Confinementalong the respective sides of the carrier 4 are provided by thevertically spaced side rails 38 which extend longitudinally from thevertical portions 34 of the angle rods 32 to the corresponding framestruts 30.

The bicycles l and 2 connected in side-by-side or parallel relation bythe frame assemblage 3 including carrier 4 provides an excellentrecreational vehicle for any couple desirous of taking their pleasureoutdoors. The resultant vehicle is very stable, and the side-by-sidearrangement certainly promotes sociability. For a couple, the resultantvehicle is ideal for a camping trip with the carrier 4 providing stowagefor the camping gear. 1

In the event there is some concern relative to possible loss from thebasket-like carrier 4 due to the spacing between cross members 35, crossrails 36 and 37 and side rails 38, a suitable container-like liner, notshown, may be disposed in the carrier.

Even for young marrieds desirous of taking one or two small childrenalong, seating 39 can be readily provided between the bicycles l and 2.As perhaps best shown in FIG. 3, seating 39 can be supported betweentransverse portions 28 and 41 of the frame element 27 and bracing member40 respectively. The U-shaped bracing member 40 further includes thespaced and parallel bracing strut portions 43 which extend forwardly anddownwardly for securement by bolts 44 or the like to the correspondinggusset plates 26 on the respective bicycles l and 2.

For those having no need for seating 39 but are desirous for greaterstowage area, a flat bed luggage rack 45 as shown in FIG. 2 may replacethe seating between the frame element 27 and bracing member 40. Anyextra load supported by seating 39 or rack 45 is-disposed over the rearaxle 20 of the respective bicycles 1 and 2 and therefore will haverelatively little effect on-the stability and steering capability of theresultant vehicle.

Various modes for carrying out the invention are contemplated as beingwithin the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out anddistinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as theinvention.

I claim:

1. In a frame assemblage for connecting a pair of bicycles in aside-by-side or parallel relation, at least a pair of longitudinallyspaced, transversely extending frame elements for extending between andmaking rigid connection to the adjacently disposed sides of a pair ofbicycles disposed in parallel relation, a generally U-shaped torsionspring frame element having a transversely extending portionintermediate a pair of trans versely spaced, generally parallel legs,said transverse portion of the U-shaped torsion spring frame elementbeing disposed to extend above the rear wheels and between the parallelbicycles with the respective legs disposed generally in the verticalplane of the centerlines of the bicycles for making rigid connectionsbetween the remote ends of said legs and the corresponding bicycles, andcarrier means constituting an integral part of the frame assemblage andextending between the several frame elements. t

2. The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein one of thelongitudinally spaced, transversely extending frame elements isconnected to the frame of the respective bicycles adjacent to thesteering bearing sleevesand another of the longitudinally spaced,transversely extending frame elements is connected to the respectivebicycles adjacent to the rear axles, and the carrier means extendsbetween said one and another by the longitudinally spaced, transverselyextending frame eleme'nts.

3. The invention as set forth in claim 2 wherein the transverselyextending portion of the U-shaped torsion spring frame element isgenerally vertically aligned with the frame element connected to therespective bicycles adjacent to the rear axles, and a plurality ofvertical struts extend between and connect the transverse portion of theU-shaped torsion spring frame element and the frame element connected tothe respective bifront wheel being'steerable by pivoting movements of asteering post within a steering bearing sleeve, a first transverselyextending frame element connecting the frame units of the respectivebicycles adjacent to the steering bearing sleeves, a second transverselyextending frame element connecting the frame units of the respectivebicycles adjacent to the rear axles, a generally U-shaped torsion springframe element having a transversely extending portion intermediate apair of transversely spaced legs, said transverse portion of the U-shaped torsion spring element being disposed to extend at a height abovethe rear wheels and substantially in the vertical plane of the secondframe element with the spaced legs of the U-shaped torsion spring frameelement being connected to the frame units of the correspondingbicycles, a plurality of vertical struts extending between andconnecting the transverse portion of the U-shaped torsion spring frameelement and the second frame element, and load bearing means disposedbetween the bicycles, said load bearing means being supported at leastin part on the U-shaped torsion spring frame element for dispositiongenerally over the axis of the rear axles of the bicycles.

5. The invention as set forth in claim 4 wherein the transverse portionof the U-shaped torsion spring frame element comprises the front supportfor the load bearing means, and an added support member connected to theframe units of the respective bicycles provides the rear support for theload bearing means.

6. The invention as set forth in claim 5 wherein the load bearing meanscomprises a passenger seat.

7. The invention as set forth in claim 5 wherein the load bearing meanscomprises a luggage rack.

8. The invention as set forth in claim 7 wherein the frame assemblageconnecting the parallel bicycles includes an integral carrier meanswhich extends longitudinally between the first and second frameelements.

9. In a frame assemblage for connecting a pair of bicycles for operationin side-by-side or parallel relation, said bicycles each having agenerally standard frame unit supported by front and rear wheels atcorresponding axles with the front wheel being steerable by pivotingmovements of a steering post within a steering bearing sleeve, a firsttransversely extending frame element connecting the frame units of therespective bicycles adjacent to the steering bearing sleeves, a secondtransversely extending frame element connecting the frame units of therespective bicycles adjacent to the rear axles, and a generally U-shapedtorsion spring frame element having a transversely extending portionintermediate a pair of transversely spaced generally parallel legs, saidtransverse portion of the U-shaped torsion spring frame element beingdisposed to extend above the rear wheels and between the respectivebicycles with the respective legs disposed generally in the verticalplanes of the centerlines of the parallel bicycles and the remote endsof said legs being connected to the frame units of the correspondingbicycles, the transverse portion of the Ushaped torsion spring frameelement being further generally disposed in the vertical plane of thesecond frame element, and a pair of transversely spaced vertical strutsextending between and connecting the transverse portion of the U-shapedtorsion spring frame element and the second frame element, and carriermeans, said carrier means extending longitudinally between the first andsecond frame elements and transversely between the vertical struts.

10. The invention as set forth in claim 9 wherein the carrier meanscomprise a basket-like carrier formed of framing members securedtogether by welding.

11. The invention as set forth in claim 10 wherein the framing membersforming the basket-like carrier include a pair of transversely spacedgenerally parallel angle rods having a horizontally disposed portion anda vertically disposed portion, the horizontally disposed portion of saidangle rods being connected to the second frame element at the locationof the vertical struts and the vertically disposed portion of said anglerods being connected to the first frame element, a plurality oflongitudinally spaced cross bars extending transversely between andconnecting the horizontally disposed portions of the angle rods to forma bottom for said carrier, a plurality of vertically spaced cross railsextending transversely between and connecting the vertically disposedportions of the angle rods to form a front end confinement for thecarrier, a plurality of vertically spaced cross rails extendingtransversely between and connecting the vertical struts to form a rearend confinement for the carrier, and a plurality of vertically spacedside rails extending longitudinally between and connecting therespective vertical struts and the corresponding vertically extendingportions of the respective angle rods to provide confinement along therespective sides for the carrier.

12. In a frame assemblage for connect-ing a pair of bicycles foroperation in side-by-side or parallel relation, said bicycles eachhaving a frame unit supported by front and rear wheels at correspondingaxles with the front wheel being steerable by pivoting movements of asteering post within a steering bearing sleeve, at least a pair oflongitudinally spaced transversely extending frame elements extendingbetween and rigidly connecting the parallel bicycles adjacent to theirsteering posts and adjacent to their rear axles, and basketlike carriermeans extending longitudinally between and connecting said frameelements and forming an integral part of the frame assemblage, saidcarrier means projecting upwardly with respect to the frame elementconnecting adjacent to the rear axis of the bicycles and downwardly withrespect to the frame element connecting adjacent to the steering postsof the bicycles.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent {794 352Dated Februarv 26, 1974 Invent0r(S) Lester G. Popp It is certified thaterror appears in the above-identified patent and that said LettersPatent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Col. 1, line 20, cancel "side" and substitute therefor --ride--- Col. 5,line 1 1, after "spring" insert ---frame-- line 34, cancel."'7"andsubstitute therefor --5-- Signed and sealed this 22nd day of Octob er19 74.

(SEAL) Attest MCCOY M. GIBSON JR; V c. MARSHALL DANN Attesting OfficerCommissioner of Patents FORM PC4050 1 uscoMM-Dc scan-P69 i U.S:GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1969 0-366-33,

1. In a frame assemblage for connecting a pair of bicycles in aside-by-side or parallel relation, at least a pair of longitudinallyspaced, transversely extending frame elements for extending between andmaking rigid connection to the adjacently disposed sides of a pair ofbicycles disposed in parallel relation, a generally U-shaped torsionspring frame element having a transversely extending portionintermediate a pair of transversely spaced, generally parallel legs,said transverse portion of the U-shaped torsion spring frame elementbeing disposed to extend above the rear wheels and between the parallelbicycles with the respective legs disposed generally in the verticalplane of the centerlines of the bicycles for making rigid connectionsbetween the remote ends of said legs and the corresponding bicycles, andcarrier means constituting an integral part of the frame assemblage andextending between the several frame elements.
 2. The invention as setforth in claim 1 wherein one of the longitudinally spaced, transverselyextending frame elements is connected to the frame of the respectivebicycles adjacent to the steering bearing sleeves and another of thelongitudinally spaced, transversely extending frame elements isconnected to the respective bicycles adjacent to the rear axles, and thecarrier means extends between said one and another by the longitudinallyspaced, transversely extending frame elements.
 3. The invention as setforth in claim 2 wherein the transversely extending portion of theU-shaped torsion spring frame element is generally vertically alignedwith the frame element connected to the respective bicycles adjacent tothe rear axles, and a plurality of vertical struts extend between andconnect the transverse portion of the U-shaped torsion spring frameelement and the frame element connected to the respective bicyclesadjacent to the rear axles.
 4. In a frame assemblage for connecting apair of bicycles for operation in side-by-side or parallel relation,said bicycles each having a frame unit supported by front and rearwheels at corresponding axles with the front wheel being steerable bypivoting movements of a steering post within a steering bearing sleeve,a first transversely extending frame element connecting the frame unitsof the respective bicycles adjacent to the steering bearing sleeves, asecond transversely extending frame element connecting the frame unitsof the respective bicycles adjacent to the rear axles, a generallyU-shaped torsion spring frame element having a transversely extendingportion intermediate a pair of transversely spaced legs, said transverseportion of the U-shaped torsion spring element being disposed to extendat a height above the rear wheels and substantially in the verticalplane of the second frame element with the spaced legs of the U-shapedtorsion spring frame element being connected to the frame units of thecorresponding bicycles, a plurality of vertical struts extending betweenand connecting the transverse portion of the U-shaped torsion springframe element and the second frame element, and load bearing meansdisposed between the bicycles, said load bearing means being supportedat least in part on the U-shaped torsion spring frame element fordisposition generally over the axis of the rear axles of the bicycles.5. The invention as set forth in claim 4 wherein the transverse portionof the U-shaped torsion spring frame element comprises the front supportfor the load bearing means, and an added support member connected to theframe units of the respective bicycles provides the rear support for theload bearing means.
 6. The iNvention as set forth in claim 5 wherein theload bearing means comprises a passenger seat.
 7. The invention as setforth in claim 5 wherein the load bearing means comprises a luggagerack.
 8. The invention as set forth in claim 7 wherein the frameassemblage connecting the parallel bicycles includes an integral carriermeans which extends longitudinally between the first and second frameelements.
 9. In a frame assemblage for connecting a pair of bicycles foroperation in side-by-side or parallel relation, said bicycles eachhaving a generally standard frame unit supported by front and rearwheels at corresponding axles with the front wheel being steerable bypivoting movements of a steering post within a steering bearing sleeve,a first transversely extending frame element connecting the frame unitsof the respective bicycles adjacent to the steering bearing sleeves, asecond transversely extending frame element connecting the frame unitsof the respective bicycles adjacent to the rear axles, and a generallyU-shaped torsion spring frame element having a transversely extendingportion intermediate a pair of transversely spaced generally parallellegs, said transverse portion of the U-shaped torsion spring frameelement being disposed to extend above the rear wheels and between therespective bicycles with the respective legs disposed generally in thevertical planes of the centerlines of the parallel bicycles and theremote ends of said legs being connected to the frame units of thecorresponding bicycles, the transverse portion of the U-shaped torsionspring frame element being further generally disposed in the verticalplane of the second frame element, and a pair of transversely spacedvertical struts extending between and connecting the transverse portionof the U-shaped torsion spring frame element and the second frameelement, and carrier means, said carrier means extending longitudinallybetween the first and second frame elements and transversely between thevertical struts.
 10. The invention as set forth in claim 9 wherein thecarrier means comprise a basket-like carrier formed of framing memberssecured together by welding.
 11. The invention as set forth in claim 10wherein the framing members forming the basket-like carrier include apair of transversely spaced generally parallel angle rods having ahorizontally disposed portion and a vertically disposed portion, thehorizontally disposed portion of said angle rods being connected to thesecond frame element at the location of the vertical struts and thevertically disposed portion of said angle rods being connected to thefirst frame element, a plurality of longitudinally spaced cross barsextending transversely between and connecting the horizontally disposedportions of the angle rods to form a bottom for said carrier, aplurality of vertically spaced cross rails extending transverselybetween and connecting the vertically disposed portions of the anglerods to form a front end confinement for the carrier, a plurality ofvertically spaced cross rails extending transversely between andconnecting the vertical struts to form a rear end confinement for thecarrier, and a plurality of vertically spaced side rails extendinglongitudinally between and connecting the respective vertical struts andthe corresponding vertically extending portions of the respective anglerods to provide confinement along the respective sides for the carrier.12. In a frame assemblage for connect-ing a pair of bicycles foroperation in side-by-side or parallel relation, said bicycles eachhaving a frame unit supported by front and rear wheels at correspondingaxles with the front wheel being steerable by pivoting movements of asteering post within a steering bearing sleeve, at least a pair oflongitudinally spaced transversely extending frame elements extendingbetween and rigidly connecting the parallel bicycles adjacent to theirsteering posts and adjacent to their rear axles, and basket-like carrierMeans extending longitudinally between and connecting said frameelements and forming an integral part of the frame assemblage, saidcarrier means projecting upwardly with respect to the frame elementconnecting adjacent to the rear axis of the bicycles and downwardly withrespect to the frame element connecting adjacent to the steering postsof the bicycles.